This blog was created by the Purdue Beef Team as an educational forum for beef producers and Extension educators. It includes timely news, issues, and management tips that have the potential to affect the beef business and decision-making process. Opinions expressed in the news clips do not necessarily represent those of Purdue University or the beef industry.

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Saturday night, August 13, 2011, was a grand night for twenty-five, 4-H youth who stood in the spotlight of the Sale of Champions at the Indiana State Fair and watched their entries auctioned. Eight new records were set as, despite a dismal economy, the agricultural community came together to support these young people. Just a few hundred yards away another drama was taking place, one that made headlines around the world and has changed the Indiana State Fair forever.

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I know that in writing this, I may be blowing the topic way out of proportion. However, you must understand this subject is in my blood, and not just as cholesterol. You see, my grandfather on my mother’s side was a cattle rancher in Oklahoma.

The southern half of Alabama is experiencing severe drought conditions, which can lead to nitrate problems for beef cattle. Many producers begin to look for alternative sources of feed for the cow herd and one possibility that comes up is to turn the cows into the corn fields which have been deemed a loss from the standpoint of grain production. Nitrate levels in the corn plants should be considered before turning the cows in.

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Higher costs, volatile markets and global influences have become the new normal in today’s economy. To survive and thrive, beef producers will need to find ways to adapt. That’s the message Cattle-Fax economist Brett Stuart hopes producers consider as they plan their future in the industry.

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This week, Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano unveiled new television ads for the public awareness campaign “If you see something, say something.” An article in the Homeland Security Newswire says it’s a new strategy to encourage the public to report suspicious activity or potential threats to national and even local security.